Ofsted inspectors visited this Sunderland school and issued the following verdict
“This outcome is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of our staff” - the words of Balmoral Learning Trust CEO Susan Bell after Hetton Lyons Primary School was praised by Ofsted inspectors following its latest inspection.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools with, instead, a traffic light report card given ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.
The traffic light system is applied to the key assessment areas of achievement, curriculum and teaching, attendance and behaviour, Early Years provision, personal development and well being, and inclusion.
The school’s leadership and governance is also graded with one of the five colours on the traffic light spectrum.
Inspectors deemed Hetton Lyons Primary School to be at the expected standard in all areas except personal development and wellbeing which was judged to be a strong standard.
Inspectors said: “Pupils' personal development is a significant strength of the school. It is underpinned by a carefully designed, responsive curriculum that is closely matched to pupils' needs and experiences.
“The comprehensive personal development programme is enhanced through effective partnerships with external agencies, such as the fire service and community health professionals.
“Pastoral care is extremely well planned. A graduated approach to nurture, supported by assessments and external referrals where needed, ensures pupils' emotional and mental health needs are met exceptionally well.
“Pupils benefit from a wide range of clubs, leadership roles, such as 'friends against bullying', and enrichment opportunities.”
Ms Bell said: “We are particularly proud that the report acknowledges the high expectations staff have for pupils and the inclusive ethos that underpins everything we do. Inspectors also recognised the efforts made to support pupils’ personal development and wellbeing, alongside their academic progress.”
Lead inspector Kathryn McDonald commended the school’s “ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum”, and teaching of literacy.
She said: “The building blocks for reading, writing and mathematics are prioritised. Skilful phonics teaching ensures pupils gain the knowledge they need to read accurately. Where pupils need to catch up, leaders provide timely support.
“Across the curriculum, teaching develops pupils' spoken and written language effectively. Pupils typically gain the knowledge they need to prepare them for the next stage of their education.
“Teaching is generally effective and ongoing training helps teachers to deliver targeted support and use adapted resources to reduce barriers to learning for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”
Inspectors identified that school attendance is broadly in line with the national average and that school leaders’ “meticulous analysis of attendance is driving improvement”.
The report also praised pupil’s behaviour and the school’s “calm and orderly” learning environment.
Inspectors said: “Pupils throughout the school meet the high expectations for behaviour, showing respect for staff and each other and they engage well in lessons.”
School leaders were also praised for making decisions that are “rooted in pupils' best interests” and “fostering a reflective and ambitious environment where pupils and staff can thrive”.
Responding to the report, Trust CEO Susan Bell said: “The school was very pleased to receive the report because it recognises many of the strengths of Hetton Lyons Primary School and reflects the hard work, dedication and care shown across our whole school community.
“Inspectors highlighted the positive and nurturing environment in which our pupils learn, the strong relationships between staff and pupils, and the commitment to ensuring every child feels safe, supported and valued.
“This outcome is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of our staff, especially the acting Heads of School Sarah Young and Chris Harrison, who work tirelessly each day to provide the best possible education and experiences for our pupils.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to every member of staff for their continued dedication and the parents, carers and wider school community for their ongoing support
“Finally, thank you to our amazing pupils, whose enthusiasm, behaviour and attitude to learning were praised during the inspection."